America First Legal (AFL) has filed a lawsuit against the New York District Attorney’s Office for allegedly withholding documents requested under the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). The records pertain to District Attorney Alvin Bragg's investigation into former President Donald Trump.
In March 2023, AFL initiated an investigation to obtain internal and external communications from key leaders within the New York County District Attorney’s Office concerning Trump. According to AFL, Democrat political operative Lanny Davis claimed in an interview with Politico that he instigated the District Attorney’s investigation into Trump. While these claims might be exaggerated, AFL argues they indicate a partisan motive behind the investigation.
Following Trump's conviction in New York on June 2, 2024, AFL began new investigations into alleged improper collusion between Bragg’s office and leftist dark money groups. On June 3, 2024, after numerous extensions over more than a year, the District Attorney’s Office provided access to "one single-page record." Additionally, it identified "36 responsive records" related to emails or other communications mentioning Trump with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), but denied access citing grand jury secrecy.
The denial appears inconsistent with DOJ's response on June 10, 2024, to Chairman Jim Jordan. The DOJ stated it found no email communications between its officials and the District Attorney’s office regarding any investigation or prosecution of Trump from January 20, 2021, through the date of the verdict.
After exhausting all administrative appeals against these denials, AFL is now suing before the Supreme Court of the State of New York for the release of specific records. As part of its ongoing investigation, AFL has also sued DOJ for immediate release of records requested under FOIA concerning Matthew Colangelo—a key figure in what AFL describes as a politically motivated prosecution against Trump in Manhattan.
Dan Epstein, Vice President of America First Legal, stated: “When justice operates in the shadows, abuse is often the intent. America First Legal is at the forefront of getting the facts and informing the American people. There should be nothing to hide. If improper ex parte communications influenced what is supposed to be nonpartisan prosecutorial conduct, all Americans are at risk. America First Legal is suing because it is committed to ensuring our justice system is free from partisan politics.”